Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Igbo traditional rulers in Abuja, have written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a passionate appeal to heed the growing clamour for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, detained since June 2021.
The Chairman of Igbo traditional rulers in Abuja, HRM Dr Sir Ibe Nwosu, who addressed the media Sunday in his palace, pleaded with the President to wade into Kanu’s matter in the spirit of national peace and reconciliation.
He described Kanu’s continued detention as unjust and urged the President to consider political solution to the debacle and help douse tension in the South-East.
Reading from a prepared speech, he said: “We the traditional rulers of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, under the chairmanship of HRM Dr Sir Ibe Nwosu (Igbo 1 Of Abuja ), stand before you today with a plea that resonates with the very essence of justice and human rights.
“It is a plea for the release of a political prisoner, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been unjustly detained for over three years. This individual, whose only crime was to speak out against injustices and to advocate for the betterment of our society, has languished behind bars for far too long.
“The concept of justice is a cornerstone of any civilized society, and the prolonged detention of this political prisoner, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, flies in the face of that very principle.
“It is a stain on our collective conscience and a blight on our nation’s reputation. It serves as a stark reminder that no one is truly free when injustice prevails.
“We implore our President, as the custodian of our nation’s values and laws, to heed this call for justice and compassion.
“We urge you to consider the plight of this political prisoner Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose voice has been silenced for too long. Let us not forget that justice delayed is justice denied.
“Furthermore, we call upon all well-meaning citizens of our nation to join us in this plea for clemency and humanity. Let us stand united in our demand for the release of this unjustly detained individual. Let us show the world that we are a nation that values liberty, fairness, and the rights of every individual.
“In conclusion, we appeal to our President and to all citizens of goodwill to act swiftly and decisively in righting this grave injustice. Let us demonstrate to the world that we are a nation that upholds the principles of justice and compassion, and that we will not stand idly by while one of our own suffers unjustly.”
Kanu has been in a solitary confinement at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS, since June 2021, when he was extraordinarily rendered from Kenya.
Despite earlier court orders for his unconditional release, the Federal Government has refused to free him.
